By Buziwe Nocuze
• Nondumiso Kholisile has grown her small braai stand into a source of income for four workers while supporting a large extended family.
• Rising food costs and business expenses are putting pressure on her earnings as she pays wages, rent and groceries for two households.
Nondumiso Kholisile from Khayelitsha in Cape Town has turned her small meat business into a lifeline for her family and others.
She started selling meat in 1993 to support her household.
Today, she runs her business at Site C near a busy taxi rank in Khayelitsha.
Kholisile sells braai meat, sausages, chicken feet and bread to customers in the area.
She said things were easier when she first started, as prices were lower.
Now, rising costs have forced her to increase her prices just to keep the business running.
Kholisile said she used to work alone, but her business has grown.
She now employs three women who help her with daily tasks.
They assist with braaing the meat and buying stock.
She said she hired them after they came looking for work and explained their struggles.
Kholisile said they did not want handouts and needed jobs to support their children.
Even though profits are not high, she chose to give them work.
Kholisile supports 14 family members using the money she earns.
She pays for groceries, school fees and insurance.
She said this puts a heavy strain on her finances.
She also spends extra money on food because of a medical condition that requires a special diet.
This means she buys separate groceries for herself and her family.
Kholisile said paying her workers is a priority, even when business is slow.
She said she struggles during quiet periods but still makes sure they get paid.
The business runs from 08:00 to 18:00 every day.
One of her workers, Cebisa Tshaba, said the job changed her life.
She said she had stopped looking for work before asking Kholisile for a chance.
Now she can support her children and buy school uniforms.
Tshaba said she is also happy that she does not need transport money because the job is close to her home.
Kholisile said she is proud to help others while keeping her business going during tough times.
Image Caption: Cebisa Tshaba who works at the Khayelitsha braai stand
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
